Hawaiian for dance. The hula, originally a ceremonial
rite, enacts stories of
romance, everyday activities and describes island scenery. Dancers
sway their
hips to the
rhythm of the music and always keep the knees
bent. Grass skirts were originally worn by the dancers but now loosely draped sarongs (long, brightly
colored cloths) or skirts made of
green plant leaves are worn with strapless bodices and leis (
wreaths of flowers) around the necks.
—Clearing Congress No. 1N The Fact of Clearing Approved Glossary